Philippine Mountain Trail Festival: a brutal and beautiful ultra trail in Asia
Location: Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
Distances: up to 170 km
Elevation gain: up to 9,500 m
Month: May
Why runners love it
The Philippine Mountain Trail Festival (PMTF) is widely recognized as one of the most challenging and rewarding trail running races in Asia. With a strong rating, runners consistently highlight its difficulty, beauty, and exceptional organization.
⭐ “One of the hardest races I’ve ever done… but also one of the most beautiful.”
⭐ “The course was brutal… a true test of grit, resilience, and perseverance.”
⭐ “Hardcore 100 miles – real hardcore. Iconic. The final exam of every trail runner.”
⭐ “The mountain views were incredible and made the suffering worth it.”
⭐ “Top-class organization and an amazing community.”
⭐ “Perfectly marked course, incredible volunteers and aid stations.”
⭐ “A race that truly cares about runners’ safety and experience.”
⭐ “What a great way to discover a part of the Philippines.”
Race description
The Philippine Mountain Trail Festival takes place in the mountainous region of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, offering one of the most demanding ultra trail running experiences in Southeast Asia.
Known for its extreme elevation gain (up to 9,500 meters) and distances reaching 170 km, PMTF features steep climbs, technical descents, jungle trails, and exposed ridgelines. The race is further intensified by the tropical heat and humidity, making it a true endurance challenge.
Despite its difficulty, PMTF rewards runners with breathtaking panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Philippines.
The event is also praised for its world-class organization, including precise course marking, strict safety protocols, live tracking systems, and highly supportive aid stations staffed by dedicated volunteers.
Why it’s a must-run race
For trail runners seeking a bucket-list ultra trail race in Asia, PMTF stands out as a unique and unforgettable experience.
- One of the hardest trail races in the Philippines and Southeast Asia
- A perfect mix of technical terrain, elevation, and extreme conditions
- A strong and welcoming trail running community
- High-level organization focused on runner safety and experience
- Spectacular mountain scenery and authentic local atmosphere
Whether you’re an experienced ultra runner or looking for your next big challenge, the Philippine Mountain Trail Festival offers a race that will test your limits and leave a lasting impression.